In 2001, we decided to spend some of our monies to improve the plantings around the Library building. With the help of Joe Ascenzi, proprietor of Laurel Hill Gardens, the group designed the space and selected materials.

The Friends established a volunteer garden committee to tend the garden. Year after year, the group has added plantings and made improvements. 

In 2006, we tackled the back and right side of the Library property. We installed a lattice fence to separate the view of the garden from the open parking lot, placed a gazebo for sitting and programs, and created a lovely side garden, giving preference to native plants. Benches have been installed in the front, and the side, and are regularly used by passers-by and library patrons. The group also coordinated major tree pruning.

In 2013 the Free Library utilities department removed the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment visible from the Library lobby, which allowed us to plant a viewing garden.  Denis Lucey, garden designer, helped plan and plant that garden, which was completed during the summer months. 

In 2021, the garden committee continues to help maintain the property. The group is currently focused on removing poison ivy, making sitting benches welcoming reading nooks, and attending to some tree work. The Library has begun to depend on this space more heavily while the building has been closed due to covid restrictions. In summer 2021, library staff will use the garden for outdoor kids programs such as a storytime and bird lovers club. The Library has also begun a Wednesday plant swap, running most Wednesdays from 2-4pm.